Space-Based Quantum Computing Market Report 2026

The space-based quantum computing market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $1.29 billion in 2025 to $1.55 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to early research on quantum communication and encryption technologies, development of prototype quantum satellites, government and institutional funding for space-based quantum computing projects, advancements in quantum key distribution (QKD) systems, deployment of initial space-based quantum processors and memory systems.

The space-based quantum computing market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.19 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for secure quantum communication networks, expansion of space-based quantum computing infrastructure, development of advanced entangled photon sources and quantum processors, adoption of cloud-based quantum computing services via satellites, increased collaboration between aerospace firms and quantum technology companies for next-generation space-based quantum solutions. Major trends in the forecast period include expansion of quantum-secure satellite communication networks, increased deployment of space-based qkd constellations, integration of quantum memory and photon sources in leo platforms, development of hybrid quantum-classical space architectures, growth in government-led quantum space missions.

The rising number of satellite launches is expected to drive the growth of the space-based quantum computing market in the coming years. Satellite launches refer to the process of deploying artificial satellites into space using rockets or launch vehicles. The number of satellite launches is increasing due to the growing demand for internet connectivity, which is prompting companies to deploy large satellite constellations to deliver high-speed broadband access to even the most remote regions of the world. Space-based quantum computing offers ultra-fast data processing and optimization, supporting satellite launches by enabling more precise trajectory calculations, improved fuel efficiency, and smarter mission planning, all by solving complex problems that conventional computers struggle to handle. For example, in January 2024, the Space Foundation, a US-based nonprofit organization, reported that global launch activity reached record levels for the third consecutive year, with 223 launch attempts and 212 successful missions in 2023, while commercial launches increased by 50% compared with 2022. Therefore, the rising number of satellite launches is contributing to the growth of the space-based quantum computing market.

Leading players in the space-based quantum computing industry are concentrating on innovations like satellite-based secure communication systems to establish the first quantum-secure communication network based in space. These communication systems use satellite networks to securely transmit data between locations on Earth or in space. In May 2025, for example, IonQ, a U.S.-based company in the field of quantum computing and networking, introduced a space-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network designed to transform the landscape of global secure communications. This initiative included the acquisition of Capella Space, a satellite company recognized for its radar imaging capabilities and national security authorizations. IonQ is integrating Capella’s satellite assets with its own quantum technologies, along with previously acquired assets from Qubitekk and ID Quantique, to develop a secure quantum communication network that connects space-to-space and space-to-ground. The network applies quantum mechanics principles to transmit encryption keys that cannot be intercepted without detection, thereby ensuring highly secure data transmission.

In November 2024, IonQ, a US-based commercial quantum computing and networking company, acquired Qubitekk, Inc. for an undisclosed sum. Through this acquisition, IonQ seeks to enhance its quantum networking capabilities by incorporating Qubitekk’s expertise and infrastructure to speed up the development of secure, scalable quantum communication systems for critical sectors. Qubitekk Inc. is a US-based company specializing in quantum networking technologies and hardware for space applications.

Major companies operating in the space-based quantum computing market are International Business Machines Corporation, Toshiba Corporation, Thales Alenia Space S.A.S., PsiQuantum Corp., Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc., Quantinuum Ltd., Quantum Brilliance Pty Ltd, Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp., Multiverse Computing S.L., Q‑CTRL Pty Ltd, Rigetti & Co Inc., SpeQtral Pte. Ltd., IonQ Inc., Infleqtion Inc., Arqit Quantum Inc., evolutionQ Inc., Qubitekk Inc., SBQuantum Inc., Kongsberg NanoAvionics UAB, Pan Galactic Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the space-based quantum computing market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the space-based quantum computing market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are increasing the cost of critical components such as quantum processors, entangled photon sources, and satellite hardware, disrupting production timelines and slowing deployment across hardware-intensive applications like satellite communication and defense missions. Regions depending heavily on imported quantum components especially Asia-Pacific and Europe are the most affected. Despite cost pressures, tariffs are fostering domestic manufacturing, supply-chain localization, and strategic national investments in quantum space capabilities, creating selective long-term opportunities.

The space-based quantum computing market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides space-based quantum computing market statistics, including the space-based quantum computing industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the space-based quantum computing market share, detailed space-based quantum computing market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the space-based quantum computing industry. This space-based quantum computing market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

Space-based quantum computing involves utilizing satellites or spaceborne systems to perform quantum computations or support quantum communication by leveraging the unique conditions of space, such as extremely low temperatures, minimal environmental interference, and long-distance line-of-sight for transmitting quantum signals. This approach allows satellites in space to carry out complex calculations and transmit data securely using quantum technologies.

The primary component types of space-based quantum computing include hardware, software, and services. Hardware consists of the physical devices specifically designed to function in space for executing quantum computations or enabling quantum-secure communications. These components can be deployed through different modes, including on-premises setups and cloud-based platforms. Applications span satellite communication, Earth observation, space exploration, defense and security, and more. End-users include government agencies, commercial organizations, defense sectors, research institutions, and other related fields.

The countries covered in the space-based quantum computing market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The space-based quantum computing market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as secure quantum communication, quantum network connectivity, real-time data encryption services, cloud-based computing access and quantum sensing support. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The space-based quantum computing market also includes sales of products including quantum communication satellites, quantum key distribution (QKD) modules, space-based quantum processors, quantum memory systems and entangled photon sources. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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